Occurrence
On 27 November 2001, a Beech Aircraft Corporation King Air C90, registered VH-LQH, suffered an engine failure shortly after departing from Toowoomba aerodrome in Queensland. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, and all four occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) conducted an investigation into the accident. On 25 June 2004, the ATSB released its final report. The investigation reviewed evidence related to the engine failure.
Probable Cause
In its final report, the ATSB reconsidered its earlier determination of the initiating event. The original finding attributed the engine failure to a blade release in the compressor turbine. However, upon further review, the ATSB proposed an alternative possibility: that the initiating event occurred in the power turbine. The ATSB noted that regardless of which scenario is correct, the remaining findings and safety recommendations from the original report remain relevant.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft, a Beech King Air C90, was registered as VH-LQH. It was completely destroyed in the accident.